26 And when Joab had gone from David’s presence, he sent messengers after Abner, who brought him back from the well of Sirah. But David did not know it. 27 Now when Abner had returned to Hebron, Joab (A)took him aside in the gate to speak with him privately, and there [a]stabbed him (B)in the stomach, so that he died for the blood of (C)Asahel his brother.

28 Afterward, when David heard it, he said, “My kingdom and I are [b]guiltless before the Lord forever of the blood of Abner the son of Ner. 29 (D)Let it rest on the head of Joab and on all his father’s house; and let there never fail to be in the [c]house of Joab one (E)who has a discharge or is a leper, who leans on a staff or falls by the sword, or who lacks bread.” 30 So Joab and Abishai his brother killed Abner, because he had killed their brother (F)Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 2 Samuel 3:27 Lit. struck
  2. 2 Samuel 3:28 innocent
  3. 2 Samuel 3:29 family

Bible Gateway Recommends